The Great Christmas Light Fight Season 8, which aired in 2020, followed its typical production schedule, meaning the actual filming largely took place in the late fall and early winter months of 2019. This allows the show to capture the festive displays in all their glory, ready for broadcast during the holiday season the following year.
Behind the Scenes of Holiday Cheer: Filming “The Great Christmas Light Fight” Season 8
“The Great Christmas Light Fight” has become a holiday staple, offering viewers a dazzling display of creative, over-the-top Christmas lights. But the magic we see on screen doesn’t just happen overnight. It requires months of planning, decorating, and, of course, filming. Understanding the timeline of production provides valuable insight into the effort that goes into each episode.
The show’s producers need time to scout locations, select contestants, and coordinate with families to ensure the displays are ready for filming. This preparation often begins well before the decorations even start going up. The actual filming itself is a crucial part of the process, as it captures the displays in the best possible light (literally and figuratively) and allows the judges to assess each entry fairly.
The Timing of Holiday Magic
The production timeline is constrained by the very nature of the competition: Christmas lights. Decorations typically begin to appear around Thanksgiving, and the judging and filming need to happen while the displays are at their peak. This means the production crew has a relatively short window to capture the best displays across the country.
Therefore, the bulk of filming for the 2020 season, which aired during the 2020 holiday season, occurred between late November and early December of 2019. Some preliminary scouting and initial shots might have happened slightly earlier, but the core filming took place during that timeframe. Post-production, editing, and final touches took place afterward, readying the episodes for their December 2020 broadcast.
Frequently Asked Questions About “The Great Christmas Light Fight”
This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about the filming and production of “The Great Christmas Light Fight,” giving fans a deeper look into the show.
FAQ 1: How Far in Advance Does Filming Take Place?
Generally, filming takes place approximately a year in advance of the air date. So, the 2020 season was primarily filmed in late 2019. This allows for editing, post-production, and marketing efforts to take place before the episodes air during the holiday season.
FAQ 2: How Are the Contestants Chosen?
The selection process is quite rigorous. Producers typically put out a call for submissions and then review applications, photos, and videos of potential contestants’ displays. They look for a combination of creativity, scale, and unique elements that will make for compelling television. Unique themes and personal stories also play a crucial role in the selection process.
FAQ 3: Do Contestants Receive Any Financial Assistance?
While the show doesn’t typically offer significant financial assistance to help contestants with their displays, the grand prize for each episode winner is $50,000. This can certainly help offset the costs associated with creating such elaborate displays and incentivize further innovation.
FAQ 4: How Long Does Filming Take at Each Location?
The amount of time spent filming at each location varies depending on the complexity of the display and the story being told. Typically, crews spend one to two days at each location capturing the overall ambiance, close-up shots of the lights, and interviews with the homeowners.
FAQ 5: What Kind of Cameras and Equipment Are Used?
“The Great Christmas Light Fight” utilizes high-definition cameras and specialized lighting equipment to capture the beauty and detail of the displays. Drones are also commonly used to provide stunning aerial views of the properties, showcasing the scale and scope of the decorations.
FAQ 6: Who are the Judges?
The judges have varied slightly over the years, but they typically consist of light-designing experts and holiday enthusiasts. Their expertise allows them to assess the displays based on creativity, technical skill, use of color, and overall impact. Past judges have included Carter Oosterhouse and Taniya Nayak.
FAQ 7: Where Does the Show Film Each Year?
The show films across the United States, seeking out the most impressive and innovative displays in different regions. Each season features a mix of geographical locations, showcasing the diversity of Christmas light decorating traditions.
FAQ 8: Is There a Theme to Each Season?
While there isn’t always a consistent overarching theme, individual episodes often focus on specific decorating styles or types of displays. This could include synchronized light shows, displays with a particular narrative, or those that incorporate unique handmade elements.
FAQ 9: How Much Electricity Do These Displays Use?
That’s a question on many viewers’ minds! The electricity usage varies greatly depending on the size and complexity of the display. Many contestants are now incorporating energy-efficient LED lights to minimize their environmental impact and reduce their electricity bills. Contestants often discuss their efforts to be more sustainable on the show.
FAQ 10: What Happens to the Lights After Filming?
After filming concludes, contestants typically leave their displays up for the duration of the holiday season for their communities to enjoy. Some may choose to take down portions of the display, while others leave everything intact until after the New Year.
FAQ 11: Has the Show Impacted Christmas Light Decorating Trends?
Absolutely! “The Great Christmas Light Fight” has undoubtedly inspired homeowners across the country to push the boundaries of Christmas light decorating. The show has popularized techniques like synchronized light shows, animated displays, and large-scale installations, driving innovation and creativity in the holiday decorating world.
FAQ 12: Where Can I Watch Past Episodes?
Past episodes of “The Great Christmas Light Fight” are typically available for streaming on platforms like Hulu and ABC’s website. Check your local streaming services for availability.
Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of Holiday Lights
“The Great Christmas Light Fight” captures the spirit of the holiday season, showcasing the dedication, creativity, and community involvement that goes into creating these dazzling displays. While the filming schedule might seem early, it ensures that viewers get to experience the magic of Christmas lights in all their glory each December. The show’s popularity speaks to the enduring appeal of holiday lights and the joy they bring to people of all ages. The filming of season 8 in late 2019 enabled viewers worldwide to experience the joy and spectacle of the 2020 season during a challenging year, reminding everyone of the power of light and community.